Protective block for the tubes of fluid-cooled furnace walls



J. s. BENNETT 2,023,302

Dec. 3, 1935.

PROTECTIVE BLOCK FOR THE TUBES OF FLUID COOLED FURNACE WALLS Original Filed April 17, 1950 ,3 sheets-sheet'l J. S. BENNETT Dec. 3, 1935.

PROTECTIVE BLOCK FOR THE TUBES OF FLUID COOLED FURNACE WALIS Original Filed April 17, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 6. e/meZZ J. S. BENNETT Dec. 3, 1935.

PROTECTIVE BLOCK FOR THE TUBES OF FLUID COOLED FURNACE WALLS Original Filed April 17, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Dec. 3, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PROTECTIVE BLOCK FOR THE TUBES OF FLUID-COOLED FURNACE WALLS Application April 17, 1930, Serial No. 445,053 Renewed April 25, 1935 27 Claims. (01. 122-6) This invention relates to improvements in fluidcooled walls of a type in which a cooling medium, such for example as water, mercury vapor, or other liquid or gaseous substance, is passed through tubes having associated therewith suitable protective blocks of refractory character which form the effective wall surface. Such walls are commonly used in furnaces and stills and may be employed to advantage in apparatus or structure in which a cooling effect is desired.

The principal object of the invention is to provide for the tubes of such walls a detachable and renewable block of improved design affording an intimate and relatively extensive contact between the tubes and the protective blocks, thereby forming a heat conductive path of high efliciency.

To this end, the invention contemplates the provision of a protective block of the stated type which closely embraces a relatively large part of the circumferential dimension of the individual tubes, and wherein the ratio of cooled to heated surfaces is relatively high as compared with blocks of prior forms.

To the stated end also, the invention contemplates the provision of a protective block construction in which the block elements are forced into contact with the tubes by means of wedge or corresponding action exerted between the adjacent tubes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel form of protective block which in assembly and when expanded by heatwill tighten against the tube surfaces, thereby tending to increase the heat-conducting efiiciency of the oint.

Still another object of the invention is to provide tube-protecting elements or blocks which may be readily attached, or detached for replacement purposes, without disturbing the contiguous protective elements.

The invention further resides in certain novel structural and mechanical features hereinafter 45 described and illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary front elevational view illustrating a protective block made in accordance with my invention;

50 Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2-2, Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary front elevational View illustrating another embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4-4, Fig. 3;

55 Fig. 5 is a fragmentary front elevational view illustrating still another embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6-6, Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating a still further embodiment of my inven- 5 tion, and

Fig. 8 is a section on the line 88, Fig. '7.

With particular reference to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, adjacent tubes of a tubular water wall system are indicated by the numerals I, I. 2, 10 2 are protective blocks preferably made of a heat conductive refractory material such as cast iron or other suitable metal, carborundum, or ceramic substances, each of these blocks having in one face a recess 3 formed on a radius corresponding 15 to that of the tubes and being thereby adapted to neatly receive the tube, as shown in Fig. 2. Also as illustrated in Fig. 2, the blocks 2, 2 are adapted to be inserted between the adjacent tubes I, and when so positioned are adapted to 20 embrace substantially one-half of the exposed circumferential surface of the individual pipes. Similar blocks 2a applied to the opposite sides of the respective tubes afford effective protection for the tubes against excessive temperatures. It 25 will be noted that the ratio of cooled to heated surface areas of the individual blocks is relatively high, the cooling efficiency of the wall as a whole being correspondingly great.

With further reference to Figs. '1 and 2, it will be noted that the adjacent sides of the blocks, or those faces opposite the sides in which are formed the recesses 3, are formed with smoothly beveled faces 4 and 5, the two sets of surfaces, 4, 4 and 5, 5, forming in assembly inwardly tapered recesses, which in the present instance are occupied by correspondingly tapered wedges B and I, which by means of a stud bolt 8 may be drawn toward each other to thereby force the blocks 2, 2 away from each other and tightly against the sides of the tubes I. In the present instance, the bolt 8 is secured in the wedge 6 and passes through an aperture in the wedge 1, a spring washer 9 and nut I I at the outer end of the bolt providing means for drawing the wedges together and retaining them in position. The blocks 2, 2 are also provided at their forward adjacent edges with beveled recesses I2, I2 which in assembly and as illustrated in Fig. 2 form in effect an undercut countersink at the outer end of the tapered recess occupied by the wedge 6. The countersunk recess thus formed is adapted for reception of a suitable refractory material I3 which covers the outer face of the wedge and prevents damage thereto due to the heat and flame from the furnace. Preferably this material is applied in plastic condition, and the wedge 6 may be provided on its outer face with projecting lugs or bosses M which function to hold the refractory material in position.

By means of the construction described above, it is possible to securely attach the protective blocks to the tubes in such manner as to afford an extremely intimate contact between the blocks and the tubes permitting rapid absorption of heat by the cooling elements. In order further to aid the close contact between the blocks and the tubes, I preferably employ between each block and its immediately associated tube a coating of a suitable cement which aids in the provision of a continuous and efficient heat-conducting joint. It will be noted that by reason of the form and the position of the blocks between the tubes, expansion due to heat causes a tightening of the blocks upon the tubes, the heat-conducting efiiciency of the joints being thereby maintained.

In Figs. 3 and 4, I have illustrated a further embodiment of my invention. The construction in this case is essentially the same as that described above and illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, and the corresponding elements are accordingly indicated by the same reference characters. In this instance as in the embodiment previously described, the protective blocks 2, 2 are secured in position against the adjacent tubes by means of an inserted wedge 6, and provision is made for the protective refractory inlay l3. Instead of the rear wedge I previously described, however, I employ a clamp member l5 through which the bolt 8 is passed, the clamp element l5 bearing against the rear faces of the blocks 2, 2 and affording means for drawing the wedge 6 into the tapered recess between the blocks 2 to thereby force the blocks into intimate contact with the tubes.

In Figs. 5 and 6, I have illustrated still another form of protective block falling within the scope of the invention. In this instance, the blocks l6 are adapted to embrace approximately one-fourth of the circumference of the tubes l, but are formed with tapered sides I! adapting them to the use of a securing wedge l8. This wedge inserted as illustrated in Fig. 6 is retained in position by a stud bolt l9 which passes through an aperture in a retaining block or yoke 2| formed at opposite ends with rounded recesses which respectively engage the backs of the adjacent tubes I and form an abutment for drawing up the wedge iii to force the blocks l6 into intimate contact with the tubes in obvious manner. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the tapered faces I! of the blocks stop short of the ends thereof to provide projecting portions 22 overlying the ends of the wedge block l8.

In the modification shown in Figs. '7 and 8, the numeral l, l as in the prior illustrations indicates adjacent water tubes of a bank of tubes constituting the active cooling device. To these pipes, as previously set forth, are secured a plurality of blocks 23 so formed and relatively arranged as to form in effect a facing interposed between the interior of the furnace and the said tubes. Each of these blocks 23 comprises two complementary parts, 24 and 25 respectively, each provided in an outer surface with a semi-circular recess formed on a radius corresponding to the outer circumference of the tubes I whereby the blocks may be brought into intimate contact with a substantial part of the circumferential area of the pipes. The elements 24 and 25 of the blocks 23 are dimensioned to permit insertion thereof between adjacent pipes of the bank constituting the water wall, as illustrated in Fig. 8, and when so positioned each element effectively covers and protects an area embracing substantially onehalf of the circumference of the respective tubes and all of that portion of the tube circumference which normally is directly exposed to the high temperatures.

As shown in Fig. 8, the element 24 of the block is provided with a longitudinal recess or groove 26 which constitutes a socket for reception of a correspondingly formed rib 21 on the element 25, and in assembly, this rib and groove form in effect a pivotal or hinged connection between the elements on a line paralleling the tubes. The elements 26 and 25 are each rearwardly extended as indicated at 28 and 29, and intermediate these spaced extensions is mounted a longitudinally extendable member or link 3|, through the medium of which force may be exerted tending to separate the extensions 28 and 29 and thereby in conjunction with the pivotal joint 26-2'i to force the elements 24 and 25 into secure and intimate contact with the tubes The device constitutes in effect a toggle which permits application of considerable force tending to press the elements 24 and 25 firmly against the surfaces of the tubes with the expenditure of a relatively small force in the expansion of the link 3|. In the present instance, the link 3| takes the form of an inter-threaded nut and stud 32 and 33, the outer ends of which respectively fit in suitably formed recesses in the inner faces of the extensions 28 and 29. Rotation of the nut effects either an extension of the element 3| as a whole or longitudinal contraction. As will be apparent, each of the blocks 23 is provided with at least one of the links 3|, and each block is individually attachable and detachable without reference to the contiguous blocks.

There may be still further modifications without departure from the invention.

I claim:

1. A protective structure for the tubes of 45 fluid-cooled walls comprising a pair of blocks adapted respectively to engage the adjacent sides of adjoining tubes of said wall, a wedge element adapted to be secured between said blocks, and means for positively adjusting the wedge and for retaining said wedge in adjusted position to force the blocks into close contact with the said tubes and to retain the said blocks in position.

2. Protective means for tubular Walls comprising a pair of blocks adapted respectively to engage the adjacent sides of adjoining tubes of said wall, and clamping means for retaining said blocks in position including a yoke member engaging the rear of said tubes, and a wedge elementadjustably retained in said member for insertion between said blocks.

3. Protective means for tubular walls comprising complementary blocks adapted for en- 6 to force the blocks into engagement with the respective tubes, and means including a bolt for positively adjusting the wedge means between the blocks and for retaining said wedge means in adjusted position.

5. Protective means for tubular walls comprising complementary blocks adapted for insertion between adjacent tubes of said wall, wedge means operative to force the blocks into engagement with the respective tubes, and positive means for forcibly adjusting the wedge means between the blocks and for retaining said wedge means in adjusted position, said wedge and adjusting and retaining means being supported entirely by said blocks.

6. Protective means for tubular walls comprising complementary blocks adapted for engagement respectively with the adjacent sides of adjoining tubes, and formed on their adjacent sides with beveled surfaces forming seats for inwardly extending, opposed, block-retaining wedges, wedges between said blocks and operative to force the blocks into engagement with the respective tubes, and mechanical means for positively forcing and retaining said wedges against said seats.

'7. Protective means for tubular walls comprising complementary blocks shaped for engagement respectively with the adjacent sides of adjoining tubes, and formed on their adjacent sides with beveled surfaces forming seats for inwardly extending opposed block-retaining wedges, wedges for said seats, and means for positively drawing the wedges together to thereby force the blocks into contact with the said tubes, said means also retaining said blocks in contact with said tubes.

8. Protective means for tubular walls comprising complementary blocks adapted for insertion between adjacent tubes of said wall, a wedge intermediate said blocks for forcing the latter into engagement with said tubes, mechanical means for positively drawing the wedge inwardly between the blocks and for retaining the wedge in a position where the head of the wedge is spaced inwardly from the front face of the blocks, and a refractory material overlying the head of said wedge and confined between the sides of said blocks.

9. Protective means for tubular walls comprising complementary blocks adapted for insertion between adjacent tubes of said wall, a wedge intermediate said blocks for forcing the latter into engagement with said tubes, mechanical means for positively drawing the wedge inwardly between the blocks and for retaining the wedge in a position where the head of the wedge is spaced inwardly from the front face of the blocks, a refractory material overlying the head of said wedge and confined between the sides of said blocks, and means on the wedge for supporting said refractory material.

10. The combination with spaced tubes, of a block unit mounted thereon and therebetween comprising two block members, said members having curved tube recesses and curved contacting surfaces opposite said recesses and eccentric with respect thereto and said block members having projections, and threaded members acting against said projections to wedge the block unit by cam action of the eccentric contacting surfaces.

11. The combination with spaced tubes, of a block unit mounted thereon and therebetween comprising two block members, said members having curved tube recesses and curved contacting surfaces opposite said recesses and eccentric with respect thereto and said block members having projections, and adjustable means acting against said projections to Wedge the block unit by cam action of the eccentric contacting surfaces.

12. The combination with spaced tubes, of block members mounted thereon and therebetween having curved tube recesses and curved contacting surfaces opposite said recesses and eccentric with respect thereto, and said block members having projections, and threaded members acting on said members in groups and against the projections thereof to wedge the members by cam action of the eccentric contacting surfaces.

13. The combination with spaced tubes, of block members mounted thereon and therebetween having curved tube recesses and curved contacting surfaces opposite said recesses and eccentric with respect thereto, and said block members having projections, and adjustable means acting on said members in groups and against the projections thereof to wedge the members by cam action of the eccentric contacting surfaces.

14. The combination with spaced tubes of a wall adapted to be exposed to heat, of a block unit mounted forwardly thereon and therebetween comprising two block members, said block members having tube recesses and oppositely disposed recessed surfaces providing rearwardly converging surface portions between the tubes, a rearwardly disposed rigid member straddling and contacting said tubes, and stress means acting against said rigid member and against the converging surface portions on both block members to stress the block members and the rigid member against the tubes.

15. The combination with spaced tubes of a wall adapted to be exposed to heat, of a block unit mounted forwardly thereon and therebetween comprising two block members, said block members having tube recesses and oppositely disposed recessed surfaces providing rearwardly converging surface portions between the tubes, a rear wardly disposed rigid member straddling and contacting said tubes, and stress means acting against said rigid member and against the converging surface portions on both block members to stress the block members and the rigid member against the tubes, said stress means comprising a threaded member passing through said rigid member and a nut threaded thereon.

. 16. The combination with spaced tubes of a wall adapted to be exposed to heat, of a block unit mounted forwardly thereon and therebetween comprising two block members, said block members having tube recesses and oppositely disposed recessed surfaces providing rearwardly converging surface portions between the tubes, a rigid member straddling and contacting said tubes, and stress means comprising co-acting adjustable threaded parts acting in tension between said rigid member on the one hand and the converging surface portions on both block members on the other hand to stress the block members and the rigid member against the tubes.

17. The combination with spaced parallel tubes, of a block unit mounted thereon and therebetween comprising two block members, said block members having tube recesses and oppositely disposed surfaces between said tubes, said surfaces being angularly disposed with respect to the plane of the tubes, and stress means comprising co-acting adjustable threaded parts acting against said surfaces to stress the block members against the tubes.

18. The combination with spaced parallel tubes, of a block unit mounted thereon and therebetween comprising two block members, said block members having tube recesses and oppositely disposed irregular surfaces between said tubes, said surfaces comprising portions angularly disposed with respect to the plane of the tubes, a rigid member straddling and contacting said tubes, and stress means acting against said angularly disposed portions of said surfaces and against said rigid member to stress the block members and the rigid member against the tubes.

19. The combination with spaced parallel tubes, of a block unit mounted thereon and therebetween comprising two block members, said block members having tube recesses and oppositely disposed irregular surfaces between said tubes, said surfaces comprising portions angularly disposed with respect to the plane of the tubes, a rigid member straddling and contacting said tubes, and stress means acting against said angularly disposed portions of said surfaces and against said rigid member to stress the block members and the rigid member against the tubes, said stress means comprising a threaded member passing through said rigid member and a nut threaded thereon.

20. A structure of the character set forth comprising a two-part block unit, each part having a lateral tube engaging surface and an opposite surface, the opposite surfaces of the parts being angularly disposed in operative position, and means for mounting the block unit comprising a rigid member, and stress means comprising cooperating adjustable threaded members operative to produce pressure between the angularly disposed surfaces.

21. The combination with parallel spaced tubes, of a two-part block unit mounted thereon and therebetween comprising two block members, said block members having curved tube recesses and opposite surfaces non-concentric with respect to the tube recesses and angularly disposed with respect to each other and with respect to the plane of the tubes, and means for mounting the block unit on the tubes comprising a rigid member straddling the tubes, and cooperating adjustable threaded members operative to produce pressure between the angularly disposed surfaces and between the block members and the tubes and between the rigid member and the tubes.

22. In a wall structure, the combination with relatively spaced tubes, of a plurality of facing units secured to the tubes and collectively forming a substantially continuous wall surface overlying said tubes, each of said units comprising complementary blocks adapted for engagement respectively with the adjacent sides of adjoining tubes and having their adjacent faces formed for reception of a retaining wedge, a wedge element adapted to be secured between the adjacent faces of said complementary blocks, and means for positively adjusting the wedge and for retaining said wedge in adjusted position to force the adjacent blocks into close contact with the said tubes and to retain the said blocks in position.

23. A protective block unit for tubes of fluid cooled walls comprising a pair of spaced block members, each of said block members having a tube-engaging recess provided in one side thereof, and a wedge-engaging surface provided in the opposite side, a wedge disposed between said lastmentioned surfaces of said block members, a rigid support, and means operatively associated with the support for positively drawing said wedge into contact with said wedge-engaging surfaces and thereby urging said block elements into intimate contact with said tubes.

24. A protective block unit for tubes of fluid cooled walls comprising a pair of spaced block members, each of said block members having a tube engaging recess provided in one side thereof, and a wedge-engaging surface provided in the opposite side, a wedge disposed between said lastmentioned surfaces of said block members, a rigid support, a bolt secured to said wedge and extending through said support for drawing said wedge into contact with said wedge-engaging surfaces and thereby urging said block elements into intimate contact with said tubes.

25. A protective block unit for tubes of fluid cooled walls comprising a pair of spaced block members, each of said block members having a tube-engaging recess provided in one side thereof, and a wedge-engaging surface provided in the opposite side, a wedge disposed between said lastmentioned surfaces of said block members, a yoke member engaging said tubes, and a bolt secured to said wedge and extending through said yoke for drawing said wedge into contact with said wedge-engaging surfaces and thereby urging said block elements into intimate contact with said tubes.

26. The combination with spaced tubes, of a block unit mounted forwardly thereon and therebetween comprising two block members, said block members having curved surfaces on one side contacting said tubes and opposite adjacent sides between said tubes and normally out of contact with each other, said adjacent sides being constructed to provide rearwardly converging wedging surfaces, a rigid backing member mounted on and rearwardly of said tubes, and a wedging member comprising a shank, a tapered head mounted on one end of said shank having rearwardly converging side surfaces adapted to contact said wedging surfaces, and adjusting means mounted on the other end of said shank adapted to exert pressure against said rigid member.

2'7. The combination with spaced tubes, of a block unit mounted thereon comprising two block members normally out of contact with each other, said members having curved tube recesses, a wedge-shaped member in contact with said block members, a rigid backing member and tension means between said wedge-shaped member and said backing member for drawing said Wedgeshaped member toward said rigid member for wedging said block members against said tubes.

JOSEPH S. BENNETT. 

